Innovative street lighting for a small council

With the help of an Australian solar company, one of the smallest local government areas in Australia is taking control of its energy infrastructure from the ground up.

Murrumbidgee Council in the Riverina region of New South Wales collaborated with solar lighting technology company Leadsun Australia to independently install off-the-grid public solar street lighting in a new residential development at Darlington Point. It was a move that enabled the council to sidestep developers and big utility companies.

Leadsun’s Lachlan Bruce said it was exciting to see Murrumbidgee Council take back the power to control its energy assets from installation through to day-to-day operations.

“They wanted a modern, grid-free street lighting solution that was economical, environmentally friendly and engineered to improve safety for residents,” Bruce said.

Leadsun has designed and patented an all-in-one smart solar light that combines LEDs, lithium batteries and wireless technology — enabling the lights to store power for days on end, be remote-controlled, and be monitored from anywhere in the world. They are also equipped with motion sensors that allow them to light up when someone walks by.

“In the past 16 years, we have installed more than 350,000 solar streetlights in Australia and the US, with the lights so robust they can withstand hurricane-strength winds,” Bruce said.

“Since September 2022, Leadsun solar lights have been installed in America’s first ‘connected city’ in Florida and shone bright in neighbourhoods darkened by Hurricane Ian’s category-four winds. Over 10,000 have been installed there to date,” he added.

“With 39 streetlights powered by the Sun, this project may be small, but it represents a big shift in how councils operate their energy assets.”

The Mayor of Murrumbidgee Council, Ruth McRae OAM, said the council was pleased to embrace this new energy concept, with solar-powered streetlights installed throughout the new River Red Gum Estate housing division.

“This cutting-edge technology not only enhances sustainability but also ensures our community remains safe and secure,” she said.

McRae said the solar-powered lighting system was a prime example of how to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources. With integrated battery systems, she explained, the lights continue to operate seamlessly even during power outages, providing constant lighting and security for residents.

“By adopting this new technology, we are moving forward in our ongoing commitment to create a more sustainable and connected community,” McRae added.

“Not only do these lights utilise renewable solar energy, but their design eliminates the need for traditional in-ground cabling, which reduces both installation costs and environmental impact.

“Additionally, the built-in motion sensors allow the lights to adjust intelligently to movement, optimising energy use while maintaining safety and visibility for the estate,” she said.

Images courtesy of Leadsun.